Men like Mr. Johnson are never very wise in their estimates of character; nor do they usually adopt the best means of attaining their ends when they meet with opposition.  This was illustrated in the present case.  Mortimer was frequently referred to in the presence of Flora, and praised in the highest terms; while the bare mention of Watson’s name was sure to occasion a series of disparaging remarks.  The effect was just the opposite of what was intended.  The more her father said in favor of the thrifty young merchant, the stronger was the repugnance felt towards him by Flora; and the more he had to say against Watson, the better she liked him.  This went on until there came a formal application from Mortimer for the hand of Flora.  It was made to Mr. Johnson first, who replied to the young man that if he could win the maiden’s favor, he had his full approval.  But to win the maiden’s favor was not so easy a task, as the young man soon found.  His offered hand was firmly declined.

“Am I to consider your present decision as final?” said the young man, in surprise and disappointment.

“I wish you to do so, Mr. Mortimer,” said Flora.

“Your father approves my suit,” said he.  “I have his full consent to make you this offer of my hand.”

“I cannot but feel flattered at your preference,” returned Flora; “but, to accept your offer, would not be just either to you or myself.  I, therefore, wish you to understand me as being entirely in earnest.”

This closed the interview and definitely settled the question.  When Mr. Johnson learned that the offer of Mortimer had been declined, he was very angry with his daughter, and, in the passionate excitement of his feelings, committed a piece of folly for which he felt an immediate sense of shame and regret.

The interview between Mr. Mortimer and Flora took place during the afternoon, and Mr. Johnson learned the result from a note received from the disappointed young man, just as he was about leaving his store to return home.  Flora did not join the family at the tea-table, on that evening, for her mind was a good deal disturbed, and she wished to regain her calmness and self-possession before meeting her father.

Mr. Johnson was sitting in a moody and angry state of mind about an hour after supper, when a domestic came into the room and said that Mr. Watson was in the parlor.

“What does he want here?” asked Mr. Johnson, in a rough, excited voice.

“He asked for Miss Flora,” returned the servant.

“Where is she?”

“In her room.”

“Well, let her stay there.  I’ll see him myself.”

And without taking time for reflection, Mr. Johnson descended to the parlor.

“Mr. Watson,” said he, coldly, as the young man arose and advanced towards him.

His manner caused the visitor to pause, and let the hand he had extended fall to his side.

“Well, what is your wish?” asked Mr. Johnson.  He looked with knit brows into Watson’s face.